Bracknell horse owner 'devastated' after injury on obstructed path

In March 2022, a huge concrete block was placed without consultation obstructing the path on Hawthorne lane with a 1.6 metre gap between the steel girder fence and the large structure.

An incident on April 2 along the path has caused concern from multiple horse owners about the council’s ‘lack of care for users of their public right of way.’

READ MORE: Dangerous concrete blocks dumped in public path on Hawthorn Lane

Jane Rimmer said: “We were walking along the path when my horse was forced to moved to the side to avoid the obstruction and walk through the gap.

“Unfortunately his flank caught on one of the spikes of the steel girder and caused a serious and traumatic injury for him.

“The injury included a cut that required 36 stitches, vet bills of £550 and additional costs of stabling and rehabilitation.”

The obstruction of the path was approved by Bracknell Forest Council and Windsor and Maidenhead rights of way department after complaints from the landowner about trespassing and anti-social behaviour on private land.

Following the incident that occurred on Hawthorne Lane, a claim was passed to the council for re-imbursement of the vet bills and additional costs.

Jane added: “Bracknell Forest Council passed my claim for reimbursement of my vet’s bills to their insurers in May, they have still not formally responded. However, when I spoke with the insurers last week they said my claim is “very likely to be rejected.”

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The News understands that the council were informed, by many phone calls from other equestrians in the area, about the dangerous nature of these concrete blocks, yet they have done nothing to have it removed.

At the time Nickola Haylor reached out with concerns about the obstruction and ‘limited space would spook horses and cause deep mud’.

In March 2022 Landowner William Emmett commented: "During two occassions where entry was gained to the lane, there were incidents of anti-social behaviour.

"In collaboration with Windsor and Maidenhead rights of way department, we decided to place concrete blocks as a provisional deterrent whilst local authories put more permenent measures in place.

"The concrete blocks were not dumped and I have moved them slightly so that an appropriate 1.6 metre width is available."

Mrs Rimmer was forced to cancel several charity rides and fundraisers for Macmillan charity whilst her 21 year old horse recovered.

A spokesperson from Bracknell Forest Council commented: “We confirm the council has received a claim from a resident on this matter, which has been referred to our insurers.

“It would not be appropriate for us to comment on individual cases, especially while our insurers conclude their investigations . The council takes every care to ensure the safety of users of local rights of way.”